Can You Be Arrested for Violating Social Distancing Orders?

COVID-19 has created a lot of confusing change in a very short period of time. For those of us living in New York City, the biggest change has been the way that New York City has essentially been shut down in the wake of the PAUSE order.

“PAUSE” stands for “Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone.” Under this order, businesses that have not been deemed essential must keep 100% of their workforce at home, and requires all non-essential gatherings be cancelled.

The police are patrolling parks and other gathering spots to ensure people do not gather there. For the most part they’re just encouraging people to move on.

It is mostly business owners who could be arrested for violating the order. Right now doing so is a misdemeanor crime. Recently a New York City bar owner fell afoul of the order, allowing over a dozen people to enter the bar, drink, and gamble there. Yet it was the only arrest, despite police finding over 2,000 other bars open.

It didn’t help that the arrested bar owner didn’t have a license to sell alcohol.

If police do show up to chase you out of a public place you’re better off complying with their instructions. They can still use a disorderly conduct charge to move you along should they choose.

If you organize a gathering you would likely receive the same misdemeanor charge even if you do not own a business. While it hasn’t happened in New York yet, New Orleans issued an arrest warrant for a man who issued a funeral reception with a band.

One could imagine law enforcement taking similar measures in this city with individuals who flout the order.

On the flip side, New York is also undergoing efforts to get people out of Riker’s Island. It’s more likely offenders will be fined than dragged off to jail. Fines can range up to $500. This is the probable fate of all those other bars.

Right now nobody is eager to fill jails, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take shelter-in-place orders seriously. They protect your life and the lives of others.

As the crisis continues to mount it’s reasonable to expect enforcement orders to mount with them. When that happens you might expect to see more severe consequences for violating the governor’s orders.

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Lee is an incredibly knowledgable lawyer that actually cares about his clients personally. My girlfriend who is on an F1 visa, has had numerous issues being harassed while entering the USA over a criminal case that was ACD-ed (dismissed, no conviction). On our last trip into the USA from vacation, a CBP officer in secondary inspection continually harassed her and gave her a very difficult time. The next day we called Lee and asked if there was anyway we could prevent this in the future. Lee guided us through visiting the NYC court house and how to get a few copies of a signed and stamped Certificate of Disposition for my girlfriend to carry around every time she travels. He guided us through what my girlfriend should say to various future questions CBP officers could ask her regarding the case. He was incredibly kind and apologized to my girlfriend on behalf of the rude behavior of the CBP agents in our country. Lee knows what America stands for and he will fight for you and your rights and care for you as a person. Lee knows what place America should be, a place accepting of all. Thanks so much Lee!

Lee Koch was incredible in getting my husband and I the advice and the assistance we needed in helping out in the immigration case of my father's girlfriend. The attorney she had spoken to prior had made unethical moves and Lee assisted us and took the time to speak to her. He kept us up to date on how much everything would be as we were very wary of keeping in line with our budget after the experience with the previous lawyer. He was very human and sincere in his approach and were were never left in the dark in any of our communication. 5 star human.

I gave Lee's office a call for a consultation and he called me right back. He was very helpful and patiently listened to the questions I had and offered very useful advice and suggestions on how to proceed. He even gave me his email and phone number for any additional questions I had! Very helpful.

Mr. Koch is a fine lawyer - he truly and passionately cares about his clients, and has a solid understanding of both state and federal law. If you want a lawyer who is great at communicating, and who provides excellent legal service, then Mr. Koch is your guy.

Lee Koch may be the best lawyer for your case, as what he gives you is realistic guidance on what truly is best. He isn’t just a lawyer, he is a friend and ally, with your overall best interest at heart. He is a solid lawyer who takes a deep, personal interest in your case. His heart is in the right place because he understands what his clients are going through; from my experience, he doesn’t just approach the matter from a legal perspective—he takes into consideration the entire issue and how it may affect your life.

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I was unemployed and unable to pay my rent and I I was trapped in upstate NY and could not make my court date. Lee Ko.Lee Koch represented me, got me an extension and relief from a no win situation. A great relief.

I was so relieved to have Lee on my side. I couldn't have picked better counsel for my case. I was very satisfied with the outcome and with the fees. Lee is so smart and straightforward and handled all the minutiae so I could focus on my life. Thank you for everything!

I first came across Lee Koch when I searched google for attorneys in NYC. I was a bit skeptical because I desperately wanted my case dismissed and needed a lawyer two days before my hearing. Lee listened to my situation and took on the case on such a short notice. The energy that he gave off over the phone assured me that Lee was worth taking the chance with, and luckily it paid off. With only a day and a half of preparation, Mr. Koch was able to get my case dismissed, and I didn’t even have to step foot into a court room. Thank you again for you time and services Lee, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart!

Simply amazing. Mr. Koch is very knowledgeable, patient, and caring. He took the time to listen to everything I had to say, expertly broke things down for me, and patiently answered every question I had. I am extremely thankful for the help he provided me and it's comforting to know that I always have Mr. Koch in my corner.

He is wonderful. I am still in the process . He is great. He is compassionate and a Real go getter .He keeps you well informed as he goes through the case with you . I was shocked at his compassion. His constant informing keeps your mind settled and in the right frame of mind while going through a very difficult time and situation . THANKS 🙏🏾 THE KOCH TEAM

Lee Koch is a very fine attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who can serve their legal needs, whether they are related to a criminal or a civil matter. He treats you like family and knows how to get the best results.

Thank you Lee for representing my son so successfully. You definitely take great pride in making sure we were informed every step of the way. You are passionate about your work and it shows in the results.

Koch Lee is an awesome attorney. He actually goes out of his way for his clients! He is extremely intelligent and answered all of my questions. I feel so lucky to have encountered him and I can think my fiance who chose him. He help us with our case. He went above and beyond answering my text, late night legal advice and he even met me at the Courthouse and assisted me in obtaining legal Documents. No question I will work with him in the future. Absolutely amazing Law Professional.

Lee is an incredibly knowledgable lawyer that actually cares about his clients personally. My girlfriend who is on an F1 visa, has had numerous issues being harassed while entering the USA over a criminal case that was ACD-ed (dismissed, no conviction). On our last trip into the USA from vacation, a CBP officer in secondary inspection continually harassed her and gave her a very difficult time. The next day we called Lee and asked if there was anyway we could prevent this in the future. Lee guided us through visiting the NYC court house and how to get a few copies of a signed and stamped Certificate of Disposition for my girlfriend to carry around every time she travels. He guided us through what my girlfriend should say to various future questions CBP officers could ask her regarding the case. He was incredibly kind and apologized to my girlfriend on behalf of the rude behavior of the CBP agents in our country. Lee knows what America stands for and he will fight for you and your rights and care for you as a person. Lee knows what place America should be, a place accepting of all. Thanks so much Lee!

Lee Koch was incredible in getting my husband and I the advice and the assistance we needed in helping out in the immigration case of my father's girlfriend. The attorney she had spoken to prior had made unethical moves and Lee assisted us and took the time to speak to her. He kept us up to date on how much everything would be as we were very wary of keeping in line with our budget after the experience with the previous lawyer. He was very human and sincere in his approach and were were never left in the dark in any of our communication. 5 star human.

I gave Lee's office a call for a consultation and he called me right back. He was very helpful and patiently listened to the questions I had and offered very useful advice and suggestions on how to proceed. He even gave me his email and phone number for any additional questions I had! Very helpful.

Mr. Koch is a fine lawyer - he truly and passionately cares about his clients, and has a solid understanding of both state and federal law. If you want a lawyer who is great at communicating, and who provides excellent legal service, then Mr. Koch is your guy.

Lee Koch may be the best lawyer for your case, as what he gives you is realistic guidance on what truly is best. He isn’t just a lawyer, he is a friend and ally, with your overall best interest at heart. He is a solid lawyer who takes a deep, personal interest in your case. His heart is in the right place because he understands what his clients are going through; from my experience, he doesn’t just approach the matter from a legal perspective—he takes into consideration the entire issue and how it may affect your life.

First of all.... Thank you Mr.Koch for your premium service. You are an amazing attorney, there nothing more i could have asked for. I would highly recommend Mr.Koch if you are looking for someone to represent you.친절하게 상담해주시고 도움 많이 주셔서 감사드립니다.

I was unemployed and unable to pay my rent and I I was trapped in upstate NY and could not make my court date. Lee Ko.Lee Koch represented me, got me an extension and relief from a no win situation. A great relief.

I was so relieved to have Lee on my side. I couldn't have picked better counsel for my case. I was very satisfied with the outcome and with the fees. Lee is so smart and straightforward and handled all the minutiae so I could focus on my life. Thank you for everything!

I first came across Lee Koch when I searched google for attorneys in NYC. I was a bit skeptical because I desperately wanted my case dismissed and needed a lawyer two days before my hearing. Lee listened to my situation and took on the case on such a short notice. The energy that he gave off over the phone assured me that Lee was worth taking the chance with, and luckily it paid off. With only a day and a half of preparation, Mr. Koch was able to get my case dismissed, and I didn’t even have to step foot into a court room. Thank you again for you time and services Lee, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart!

Simply amazing. Mr. Koch is very knowledgeable, patient, and caring. He took the time to listen to everything I had to say, expertly broke things down for me, and patiently answered every question I had. I am extremely thankful for the help he provided me and it's comforting to know that I always have Mr. Koch in my corner.

He is wonderful. I am still in the process . He is great. He is compassionate and a Real go getter .He keeps you well informed as he goes through the case with you . I was shocked at his compassion. His constant informing keeps your mind settled and in the right frame of mind while going through a very difficult time and situation . THANKS 🙏🏾 THE KOCH TEAM

Lee Koch is a very fine attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who can serve their legal needs, whether they are related to a criminal or a civil matter. He treats you like family and knows how to get the best results.